Shoe form



Allg. l5, 1933. B F- HQRSTlNG LQZZGI? SHOE FORM Filed Feb. 29, 1932 g A.uNrrizDsnxnzs Patented Aug, 15, 1933 PATTEN'lToFl-*lce I' `suon FORM Bernard `F. Horsting, ,Chicago, Ill., assignor to Simplex Shoe Tree Co.,l Chicago, Ill.,4a Corporation of Illinois Application February 29, 1932. Serial No. 595,680

Claims.

A further object `is to provide a form of the character indicated in which the relatively movable heel and toe portions are actuated by a simlple spring action and in which the relation of the parts is such that the stated portions are retained in their proper positions, free of any tendency to rise out of the shoe.

A further object is to devise a form having a ,20: skeleton construction which is light in weight and easy to handle, but which is adequately stiffened in lateral directions to thereby insure the l most effective action of the spring on the heel and toe portions. Y Y l `These and further objects of my invention will be set forth in the following specification, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawing, and the novel means by which said objects are eifectuated willbe definitely pointed out in the claims. V

, In the drawing: r

Fig. 1 is a plan `view of my improved shoe form. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the form.

Referring to Fig. 2, the numeral designates a wire of appropriate gauge and which is `formed of a material suitable for spring purposes. The Wire 10 is coiled intermediate its ends to form the spring 11, the diameter of the coils and their number depending upon the gauge of the wire and the required stiffness of spring action.

' The projecting `wires 10 are then bent downwardly from the coil 11 to form the hand grip members 12 which terminate in portions 13 that,

are bent toward each other and then reversely bent around each other, as indicated generally `by the numeral 14, below the coil 11. The reverse bends of the wire beyond the looped connection 14form an arm 15 which extends rearwardly for connection with the heel portion 16, 50,Which may have the substantial egg-shape, as shown, in order to provide a rounded surface that will conform very closely to the transverse,

interior contour of the shoe at the heel end thereof. The other reversely bent portion provides an yarm l'lwhich is connected to a toe portion 18 ,that may have the shape indicated, or other forms as desired.

The operation of the shoe form will be apparent from an examination of Fig. 2. The user grasps the hand grip portions 12 and moves them toward each other against the tension thereby set up in the spring `11` This action withdraws the heel and toe portions toward each other and enables the form to be easily inserted in a shoe. After being fully inserted, pressure on the members 12 is then released, whereupon the coil spring 11 moves the heel and toe portions into intimate and pressing engagement with the corresponding portion Within the shoe. v

One of the principal advantages of the present construction is that afforded by the sliding and substantially interlocked engagement of the arms 15 and 17. This construction provides a device which is free from any wobbling tendency, since it is eiectively stiifened in lateral directions, a factor which enables the energy stored WithinV the spring 11 to more effectively move the heel and toe portions into the desired engagement with-the shoe.V Any tendency of the heel portion 16 to rise upwardly out if the shoe is positively 80 prevented by reason of the interlocking engagement of the arms 15 and 17 with the portions 13. The device is'compact and not only provides for an inter-engagement of parts which are com- Y mon to the heel and toe portions, but also provides a common control of these portions, as is highly desirable in device of this nature. The heel and toe portions may be simply made from pieces of wood and as the remaining feature of the article is simply a length of wire which is appropriately bent, it will be readily understood that the form may be manufactured at relatively low cost.

While I have shown one set of elements and Vcombinations thereof -for effectuating my improved shoe form, it will be understood that the same is intended for purpose of illustration only and in no wise to restrict my device to the exact formsgand structures shown, for many changes may be made therein Without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim: Y

1. A shoe form comprising heel and toe portions, and spring means composed of a Wire coiled to provide a spring and hand gripping members, said members including parts bent around each other and extended to formY arms attachable to said portions.

2. A shoe form comprising heel and toe portions,` and spring means composed of a wire l@ 4. A shoe form comprising shaping devices, and a wire coiled between its ends to providea spring, the portions of said Wire beyond said spring forming a pair of bights engaged with each other, and one limb of each bight being extended for attachment to one of said devices.

5. A shoe form comprising shaping devices, and a wire coiled between its ends to provide a spring, the portions oi said Wire beyond said spring loop ingly engaging with each other and being extended for attachment to said devices.

BERNARD F. HORSTING. 

